The Cremation Process

People often ask us, “What happens during the process of cremation?” Without getting into too much detail, we outline the basics:

• The container encasing the human remains is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

• After about 2 hours, almost all of the organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. What remains, which are essentially bone fragments, are known as cremated remains. They are technically not ashes, even though the term is often used.

• After a cooling period, these are carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of or recycled in an approved manner.

• The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in a temporary container provided by the crematory or placed in an urn purchased by the family.

The entire cremation process takes approximately four to six hours. Throughout the cremation procedure, a carefully controlled labeling system ensures correct identification. We provide a temporary cremation urn with all of our direct cremations. A permanent urn can be purchased at the time of cremation or at a later date. Often cremated remains are left in the temporary urn for many months, as a family decides on the desired cremation ceremony. If you have questions about cremation, the cremation process, or would like to discuss the reasons behind the cremation ceremony, please call us at 713-344-0764.